There and Back Again: A New Year's Tale

 Last week our family embarked on a journey, which, though it spanned two years, only lasted three days.

How is that possible? Ye shall see.

Here is a faithful account of our wandering.

It began on a dark, cold, foggy, coffee-smelling morning.

The morn was so chill that the wee child had to stand uponst her mother's shoes to shield her feet from the frosty cement.

During this time, we were joined by two fellow travellers - sisters Evie and Emily. 

After a long and arduous drive (part of which I do not recall, due to a car-induced slumber), we were invited to join friends and partake of Mexican fare.

Evie and myself, awaiting our order.

Three pretty muchachas.

Thus nourished, we journeyed on.

...stopping to view an abandoned castle.

 "Canst thou believe yon arches?"

"Maura, what do your elf eyes see?"

Fellow wanderers.

Through the window.

We took our leave, then were honored by the M. family's hospitality.

Though sleep overcame me, the younger folk stayed up doing who-knows-what mischief.

"Ah, Maura, must thou spend the night thus gaming?"

The Skip-Bo table and it's lovely patrons.

The next morning: wandering the moor.

 On New Year's Eve, the remainder of the E. family made it safely to our encampment.

A random documentation of Eric, as he hones his road-building craft.

Another random portrait - little Edith!

We and the E family attended the M's grand New Year's ball, and were joined by well-loved kin.

The D. Family

And the repast! Such delicacies have yet to be matched, as I believe the young Indian princess would agree.

Scottish Covenanters and their descendants.

I saw many wonders that night:

I saw sisters from different centuries...

...joined by the Queen of Sheba...

...surrounded by brave young highland lads.

Say not that this is impossible, for I witnessed it with mine own eyes.

Such lovely headgear has not been  surpassed!

Beautiful Mariah

That night we were entertained with orations, and tales of fell deeds.

The Noah S. family

The B. family - so glad to have made your acquaintance!

"I got somethin' to say, see?"

Mr. Kevin relates his history...

...as the family heeds closely.

Dancing and general merry-making.

"I play these cards to protect mine child!"
 (Behold Katie's card-playing face).

Fair maiden.

I doubt not that these princesses have knowledge of spinning.

Katie, Maura, Evie, Emily, Me, and Emori

Katie, with the dear twins.

As the night grew late and the day grew early, the trio stepped in to serenade us.

Soon, many of the party (those who had not succumbed to sleep) joined in.

Denae, with flute.

And lastly, I must pay tribute to one who was sorely missed during this journey...namely, Sleep herself.

Few sought her, fewer found her. In the end, the young ones were the first to discover her. 

Below are the different forms of sleep encountered during out adventure.

"The Bored Gamer"

"The Thinker Sleeper"

"The Social Butterfly"

"The Party Crasher"

 

 "A Nod to Indiana Jones"

"The Stage Presence"

"The Sleeping Beauty"

So having made many friends, and many friends having made us twice as welcome as we half-expected...I will bid you all a (yawn) New Year that is not half-bad!

 

Yours etc.

Callie